The Drums is an indie pop band from New York City. They are currently touring to promote their new record, Abysmal Thoughts, which was released this past June. Even though the band has been around for quite some time, their show last Wednesday night at Brooklyn Steel packed a diverse crowd. Their performance was upbeat, lively, and quite emotional, and with openers Methyl Ethel the night turned out to be the perfect blend of slow jams and upbeat head-bangers.

Abysmal Thoughts is The Drums’ fourth album. With abysmal meaning, the very bad, appalling, or very deep, assumptions could arise regarding the album’s content without even hearing it. Do not judge a book by its cover though or in this case an album by its title.

Although it touches upon the darker feelings, heartbreak, and pure sadness, its sound has a lighthearted undertone that speaks true to the bittersweet truths of reality. Acting almost like a big “fuck you” to life, it coincides in a realm between a dark abyss of hopelessness and a state of acceptance, truth, and perseverance.

Influenced by the sounds of early 80s UK D.I.Y bands and artists like the Beach Boys, The Wave, and Joy Division, The Drums’ sound lends itself to something I like to describe as a “highway cruiser.” Being from Southern California, driving with the windows down near the beach was something we would do all the time. I remember when we would go to the beach on weekends and how we would turn off the A/C, roll the windows down, and just blast music. The music that was played has now been engraved into those everyday experiences and moments.

When I hear certain songs similar to the ones I grew up listening to, I get reminded of those times. Although I didn’t start listening to The Drums until my Junior year of High School, I still have fond memories of their music. Their music reminds me of driving near the beach, road trips, outings with my high school friends, home. The Drums’ music aided me in my worst times and played during some of my best. Abysmal Thoughts was very much my summer album, and being able to hear the old and new songs live was definitely an emotional experience.

Watching and experiencing The Drums’ show was unlike any other I have previously attended. To me the night felt like something straight out of a movie or dream. Lead singer Jonny Pierce has the voice of an angel, and his dancing made me smile from ear to ear. The stage presence of all members of the band made the concert so enjoyable. Hits “Days” and “Let’s Go Surfing” from past albums, along with new tracks “Blood Under My Belt” and “Mirror,” got fans moving and singing along. There were a couple of songs that almost brought tears to my eyes, including “Down By The Water,” which Pierce dedicated to his boyfriend Keon.

Before continuing with their encore performance, Pierce expressed his gratitude for the fans of New York. “New York is very powerful, and you guys really dictate what is relevant. The fact that The Drums have been here for ten years, and that all of you crazy fuckheads are here tonight… it means so much you don’t even know. During the encore break […] we were all just back there just grateful and talking about how much we love New York, and how special it is that we’re playing here tonight.”

For the first time in a long time, I felt completely myself and completely at peace. In midst of all the chaos and stress occurring in my life, taking the night to photograph and see The Drums perform meant everything to me. The Drums continue to tour throughout the US until mid-December. Check out more about them and the tour here!

By Pamela Wang

The Drums is an indie pop band from New York City. They are currently touring to promote their new record, Abysmal Thoughts, which was released this past June. Even though the band has been around for quite some time, their show last Wednesday night at Brooklyn Steel packed a diverse crowd. Their performance was upbeat, lively, and quite emotional, and with openers Methyl Ethel the night turned out to be the perfect blend of slow jams and upbeat head-bangers.

Abysmal Thoughts is The Drums’ fourth album. With abysmal meaning, the very bad, appalling, or very deep, assumptions could arise regarding the album’s content without even hearing it. Do not judge a book by its cover though or in this case an album by its title.

Although it touches upon the darker feelings, heartbreak, and pure sadness, its sound has a lighthearted undertone that speaks true to the bittersweet truths of reality. Acting almost like a big “fuck you” to life, it coincides in a realm between a dark abyss of hopelessness and a state of acceptance, truth, and perseverance.

Influenced by the sounds of early 80s UK D.I.Y bands and artists like the Beach Boys, The Wave, and Joy Division, The Drums’ sound lends itself to something I like to describe as a “highway cruiser.” Being from Southern California, driving with the windows down near the beach was something we would do all the time. I remember when we would go to the beach on weekends and how we would turn off the A/C, roll the windows down, and just blast music. The music that was played has now been engraved into those everyday experiences and moments.

When I hear certain songs similar to the ones I grew up listening to, I get reminded of those times. Although I didn’t start listening to The Drums until my Junior year of High School, I still have fond memories of their music. Their music reminds me of driving near the beach, road trips, outings with my high school friends, home. The Drums’ music aided me in my worst times and played during some of my best. Abysmal Thoughts was very much my summer album, and being able to hear the old and new songs live was definitely an emotional experience.

Watching and experiencing The Drums’ show was unlike any other I have previously attended. To me the night felt like something straight out of a movie or dream. Lead singer Jonny Pierce has the voice of an angel, and his dancing made me smile from ear to ear. The stage presence of all members of the band made the concert so enjoyable. Hits “Days” and “Let’s Go Surfing” from past albums, along with new tracks “Blood Under My Belt” and “Mirror,” got fans moving and singing along. There were a couple of songs that almost brought tears to my eyes, including “Down By The Water,” which Pierce dedicated to his boyfriend Keon.

Before continuing with their encore performance, Pierce expressed his gratitude for the fans of New York. “New York is very powerful, and you guys really dictate what is relevant. The fact that The Drums have been here for ten years, and that all of you crazy fuckheads are here tonight… it means so much you don’t even know. During the encore break […] we were all just back there just grateful and talking about how much we love New York, and how special it is that we’re playing here tonight.”

For the first time in a long time, I felt completely myself and completely at peace. In midst of all the chaos and stress occurring in my life, taking the night to photograph and see The Drums perform meant everything to me. The Drums continue to tour throughout the US until mid-December. Check out more about them and the tour here!